Presidents Day Weekend February 14-16, 2026 in Washington DC is fast approaching and I've brought together some of the best ideas in and around DC to enjoy as a family and maybe even learn a little!
President's Day Weekend Table of Contents:
Washington DC Presidents Day Weekend Activities
1) Visit President Lincoln's Cottage in Northwest DC on Presidents Day Weekend
We toured years ago but want to return! Tickets are available Sat, Sun and Mon. $15 for adults, $5 for ages 6-12 and free under 6. Beautiful grounds and a wonderful mission.
2) Tour the Monuments!
Touring the monuments in D.C. over Presidents Day weekend is a perfect way to honor the legacy of our nation’s leaders. There's actually not a lot of holiday crowds because there is so much to do. If you want to full walking tour, check out my full and half day free DC itinerary in this blog post.
3) National Portrait Gallery's Presidential Family Fun Day
Last year it was on Saturday February 15, 2025, the National Portrait Gallery hosts a day of family-friendly activities from 11:30 to 3 PM in the beautiful indoor Kogod Courtyard. I will add more for 2026 when I hear.
Celebrate Presidents’ Day at the Portrait Gallery’s yearly festival for all ages! Whether you want to learn about U.S. presidents through guided tours of the museum’s “America’s Presidents” exhibition, story times, or art-making and writing activities, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
Event details here and National Portrait Gallery info here.
Beautiful Kogod Courtyard
4) Visit a Free DC Museum on Presidents Day Weekend
I updated the opening hours of the most popular free museums above and ALL are open on President's Day! Check out descriptions and Mom Tips for these in my post 20 Best Museums for Children.
Virginia Presidents Day Weekend Activities
1) Washington's Birthday Parade in Alexandria, Virginia
This annual parade is a major highlight, featuring floats, historical reenactments, and marching bands.
Saturday, February 14, 2026
2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Old Town Alexandria
2) George Washington's Mount Vernon
Monday is free admission on Presidents Day and George Washington’s birthday (Feb. 17). Admission tickets will be distributed on-site upon arrival; a limited number of tickets are available. Regularly $28 for adults, $15 for ages 6-12, and ages 0-5 free.
3) Take a hike! 20 Kid-Friendly Walks/Hikes in Northern Virginia
Each with distances and stroller-friendliness notes!
4) The National Museum of the United States Army
Learn about George Washington's military life in the Founding the Nation Gallery.
Maryland Presidents Day Weekend Family Activities
Photo courtesy of Montgomery County.
Maple Sugaring
- It may sound sappy, but there’s magic in our trees at this time of year! Join Irvine’s naturalists for an outdoor hike-n-learn in great taste. Learn how to identify maple trees and why this is peak season for collecting their sap. Practice using a hand drill to experience how trees are tapped, check buckets for sap and see how the sticky fluid is converted into syrup over fires and an evaporator. You’ll even get a taste of this liquid gold as a reward for all the hard work. This event is great for the entire family.
- https://www.explorenature.org/weekend-programs/
- Multiple sessions offered:
Sunday, February 8th, 10:00-11:30AM
Sunday, February 8th, 1:00-2:30PM
Saturday, February 14th, 10:00-11:30AM
Saturday, February 14th, 1:00-2:30PM
Saturday, February 28th, 9:00-11:30AM **MEMBERS ONLY Pancake Breakfast**
Cost: $8 (children under 3 are free)
Limited space available, pre-registration encouraged. PURCHASE TICKETS HERE
- Destination Playground - Check out one of these amazing Maryland Playgrounds that are worth the drive!
